12 volt microwaves = 55 Amps = not too bad ?

[ghost123uk]

Hi all

Gill and I would like to eat microwave type meals (and of course lots of pies ) when out and about camping etc.

Now I know that heat from 12 volts is normally a no no, but I found some ~660 Watt 12 volt microwaves that use around 55 amps. Now I know that is a lot, but they only need to be on for a few minutes and the alternator can put that back fairly quickly, plus we have a decent leisure battery, (and a solar panel ) so I am considering getting one ( Similar to this )

Anyone used one ?

[72BUG]

Interesting. Didn't even know you could get a 12v microwave.

[1664]

I think you need your head examining......


not for buying the microwave; for microwaving pies eeuugh, wet soggy pastry

I doubt the battry will cope John, but by all means give it a whirl. My battery couldn't supply my inverter if I used it at full capacity either but I could if I started the engine and the alternator supplied it, which is what I suspect you'll have to do to make yer soggy pies too

[dansimpson]

I would soooo love to get a microwave for me van - the gas cooker would get ditched! I am Mr Microwave, I can live happily on microwave meals

[kevtherev]

55 amps.. jeez that's some current in a wire..sorry cable
wouldn't a starter battery be good at this, high current for short bursts?

[California Dreamin]

Yup high current but nothing like a starter motor, which on a petrol engine, can draw anything between 120-160amps and on a diesel even higher.
Of course the starter motor hopefully has your engine started in just a few seconds unlike this microwave, which might be churning away for several minutes.
Starter motor..three times the current draw (120 - 160amps) but only for a few seconds.
Microwave..a third of the current draw but for 20 - 30 times longer (2 - 3 minutes)....so in reality, putting much more strain on the battery.

I think it is possible but usage would be very limited.

Martin

[Oldiebut goodie]

I run a 230v microwave off 220Ah of batteries in my merc via an inverter but I always run the engine at the same time. Personally I don't use it - I only put it in for my daughter. I have noticed no ill effects on the batteries. It is a low powered one which means your cooking times are extended considerably - you would have to take this into account also.

[ghost123uk]

I think you need your head examining......
not for buying the microwave; for microwaving pies eeuugh, wet soggy pastry

No no no, you HAVE to put them under the grill for a minute or two, both top and bottom, to crisp up the pastry !
I do this often at home. Don't you know ANYTHING about "fast pie preparation"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I reckon 55A is not a big problem, I have a very good "dual purpose" starter come leisure battery on the Hi-Top van and, with appropriate cable, should run it fine for the required time (say 5 minutes). I can fire up the motor and let the 90 Amp alternator take up the load too if necessary. Might even connect it to the main battery. If I buy one that is !

[California Dreamin]

Thats a point.....shouldn't be an issue with the engine running.

But without the engine running......
5 minutes at 55amps is alot....
Equivelent to over 180amps for 90 seconds......like cranking a cold engine for a minute and a half

Obviously not an issue for a couple of 110 amp leisures in parallel.

Martin.

[1664]

I think you need your head examining......
not for buying the microwave; for microwaving pies eeuugh, wet soggy pastry

No no no, you HAVE to put them under the grill for a minute or two, both top and bottom, to crisp up the pastry !
I do this often at home. Don't you know ANYTHING about "fast pie preparation"

My idea of "fast pie preparation" is a short queue in a chip shop